Sterilisation and Cleanliness

Sterilisation and Cleanliness

 
Many patients are worried that they might expose themselves to infections when they entrust themselves to the care of a dentist. We understand the trust that you place in us and at Blockhouse Bay Dental Centre we are committed to ensuring your safety in every way. This extends to the provision of hospital standard sterilisation using an autoclave (steam pressure sterilisation), once-only use of equipment where appropriate and the highest level of staff training.

All equipment that is used in your mouth is completely sterilised. Our standards exceed those imposed by regulations and the industry norm. In fact, at a recent invitation to participate in an independent infection control audit we were judged to be one of New Zealand's leaders in dental hygiene standards.

These are some of the precautions we take to protect you (and us!) from the risk of cross infection:
 

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Autoclave steam sterilisation

All instruments capable of withstanding high temperatures are steam sterilised under pressure in an autoclave. ALL bacteria and viruses are killed. We have the latest generation of autoclave that operates under a vacuum to ensure that even hollow tubes for example, inside of a dental drill, are totally sterile.
 

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Ultrasonic cleaning

Prior to instruments being autoclaved they are hand scrubbed before being placed in an ultrasonic bath with a disinfectant cleaning solution. This removes any surface debris and begins sterilisation process.



 

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Chemical Disinfection

All items that cannot tolerate high heat, for example plastics, are disinfected in a chemical solution formulated to kill infectious bacteria and viruses.
 

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"Pouching" of sterile instruments

 






Most of our instruments are "autoclave pouched" to maintain sterility until the moment they are required.






 

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One-time use items

Many items are single-use and are disposed of after each patient. This includes all syringes (needles) and saliva ejectors (the plastic tips on the suction tube which are placed in the mouth to remove saliva).
 

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Disposable gloves and masks

Gloves and masks are worn to prevent transmission of disease between you and us (both ways), as well as providing protection from transmitting any diseases between you and another patient in the practice. Gloves are never used on more than one patient.







 

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Surface decontamination and barriers

All surfaces (counter tops, dental chair, light handles, etc.) are disinfected with a chemical solution again formulated to kill infectious bacteria, spores, and viruses.
 

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